Montreal residents are being urged to stay off the roads this weekend if they haven't yet installed their winter tires, with a significant freezing rain event expected to create hazardous driving conditions.
Winter Tire Deadline and Weather Warning
The mandatory deadline for winter tire installation in Montreal is December 1, 2025, but Environment Canada has issued a special weather statement calling for freezing rain from Saturday evening through Sunday morning. The agency forecasts that up to 10 mm of ice could accumulate during this period, creating potentially dangerous travel conditions.
Similar weather statements have been issued for the Laurentians, Lanaudière, and Lower Richelieu regions, while more severe freezing rain warnings are in effect for areas farther east and into Ontario.
REM Train Situation and Weekend Forecast
The weather warning comes as four REM train cars remain stranded next to the Canadian Tire store in the West Island, a situation that has persisted since November 12, 2025. The immobilized trains serve as a visual reminder of the transportation challenges that can occur during adverse weather conditions.
Friday's weather will see a high of 3°C with some clouds, dropping to an overnight low of -4°C that will feel like -7°C with wind chill. The situation deteriorates significantly on Saturday, with light snow expected to begin in the afternoon, transitioning to rain or freezing rain overnight. Sunday will bring a mix of snow or rain throughout the day.
Safety Recommendations and Regional Impact
Transportation officials strongly recommend that drivers who haven't installed winter tires avoid unnecessary travel during the freezing rain event. The combination of icy roads and inadequate tires could lead to dangerous driving conditions and increased accident risk.
The timing of this weather event underscores the importance of preparing vehicles for winter conditions ahead of the December 1 deadline. With the REM system already experiencing service disruptions in the West Island, road transportation becomes even more critical for Montreal commuters.
